New research suggests that a company's most engaged workers -- the ones who feel most connected to its future -- are often the least effective people on the payroll, says Schacter.

The research was conducted by Leadership IQ, a consulting firm in Washington.

Says Schacter: "What if your top performers were not your most engaged employees or were frustrated and considering bolting from your organization, in part because you were letting low performers slough off?"

He goes on: "There’s a good chance the disastrous scenario fits your workplace but you are simply unaware of the true situation."